Current code activity

January 1st, 1970

By Juli Case Flammability specification revision NFPA 701 is one of the most commonly cited U.S. flammability standards in the specialty fabrics industry, and is entering into its 2010 revision cycle. Proposals were due in May 2008, with revision work taking place throughout 2009. the revision cycle includes an opportunity to comment on proposals. Contact: […]

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Local firms help architects ‘break the tent envelope’ for Design Miami

January 1st, 1970

By Joanna Baymiller At the tender age of 37, Alain Perez, president of Eventstar Productions, the South Florida company that collaborated with the architects to create Design Miami’s showcase pavilion, is the elder statesman of this group of young innovators. Eventstar managed the technical requirements of the structure. The 11-year-old firm has won outstanding achievement […]

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Questions to ask when planning a graphics project

January 1st, 1970

A checklist of questions you should ask before you get started. By Paula Rees How long might this fabric or fabric and print combination last? Is there a warranty? How are the awning/signage frames attached to the building? How much will the frame and fabric combination weigh? How is a weather seal maintained at the […]

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Advice for designers specifying graphics for their next project

January 1st, 1970

Keep these issues in mind. By Paula Rees Early involvement by a graphics specialist saves money and headaches. “One of the biggest issues for our work,” says Rees, “is when we aren’t brought in early enough, then the solutions end up being applied instead of integral (not as attractive). Under these circumstances, cost obviously increases […]

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Around the world: Schools that offer coursework in fabric (textile) architecture

January 1st, 1970

A partial list Editor’s note: All attempts for accuracy of current programs were made. If the reader knows of other active programs and can e-mail information about them, the reader will be gratefully acknowledged. Send information to: bnwright@ifai.com with “new schools” under the subject heading. United Kingdom University of Bath Dept. of Architecture and Engineering […]

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Colorful fabrics calm hospital patients

January 1st, 1970

By Katherine Carlson Calming fabric colors, patterns and textures create an ambiance much desired in health-care settings, from surgery waiting rooms to newborn intensive care to psych units. Ever since a 1985 study that showed that a specific color, Baker-Miller pink, reduced aggression among prison inmates and patients in mental-health institutions, designers have been seeking […]

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How to maintain that healthy-looking fabric structure

January 1st, 1970

By Samuel J. Armijos First and foremost, one needs to determine the appropriate fabric for the application. Today, structures are being designed that might, in theory, be considered permanent but are planned to be up for only 10, 15 or 20 years. Likewise, there are specific fabrics with life spans and warranties that meet or […]

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CAST lab supports hands-on research-creation

January 1st, 1970

By Mark West The Centre for Architectural Structures and Technology is an architectural research lab at the University of Manitoba that seeks new boundaries for architectural thought, design, and building technology through physical explorations of materials, tools, and methods; the study of natural law; and the free play of imagination. A wide range of methods […]

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Estimating wind loads on banners

January 1st, 1970

Wind loads on banners can be estimated and a simple example is shown below. A 90 mph, (40m/s) three second gust has a basic wind pressure of 15 psf (720 pascal or 0.72kN/m2). Codes adjust this with a coefficient of pressure and for a square fabric sign is a minimum of Cp = 1.45. For […]

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Defining green roof lingo

January 1st, 1970

Green roofs succeed when they achieve the ideal balance of weight, water infiltration and soil balance to sustain desired plantings. Here are some key performance areas for soils and green roofs that JBC applies in the design process: Infiltration rate: The amount of permeability in the soil. The higher the infiltration rate, the faster water […]

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